Goals and values

Mission statement

The Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū exists to build a two-way relationship between young people and Environment Canterbury to empower each other to be good kaitiaki of our environment.

Goals

  • Information is attainable for young people: The EYR helps Environment Canterbury share attainable information to young people to inform them in a meaningful way about what is happening at Environment Canterbury and how they can participate.
  • Young people know how they can make a difference: The EYR helps young people to understand how they can make a difference, so people of our generation can demand the change they want and/or need.
  • Youth empowerment is recognised and accounted for across regional and national sectors: The EYR advocates for youth representation and empowerment throughout Waitaha and wider Aotearoa New Zealand by being an active participant in conversations and events, and supporting the creation of youth roles in all networks and sectors.
  • Environment Canterbury incorporates youth voices into decision making: The EYR provides a pathway for Environment Canterbury to receive the fresh and sustainable perspective that young people bring.
  • Young people can engage with their regional councillors: The EYR allows young people to engage with elected representatives in a way that moves beyond tokenism.

Core values

  • Respect – We are committed to valuing each person’s view and making all feel welcome and included.
  • Passion – We are committed to being positive and motivated by our purpose.
  • Kaitiakitanga – We are committed to caring for the things that are precious to us, particularly our natural resources and each other.
  • Resilience – We are committed to being determined and adaptable, and helping each other through the hard times.
  • Integrity – We are committed to doing things for the right reasons and upholding our promises.

You will gain insight into the Regional Council, be provided with opportunities for personal and professional development, and be invited to youth and environmental events.

You can expect a bullying, harassment and discrimination free environment and Environment Canterbury staff to be available to provide support with any concerns or issues that arise.